United Cup: New tennis trophy unveiled

Thomas Lyte-made masterpiece presented to the media ahead of inaugural major tennis tournament

The United Cup, a magnificent new hallmarked sterling silver and 24-carat gold-plated trophy designed and handcrafted by Thomas Lyte, was today unveiled at Cottesloe Beach in Perth, Western Australia.

Grand Slam mixed doubles champion and Perth-born Casey Dellacqua, Western Australian Minister for Sport, the Hon. David Templeman MLA, United Cup Tournament Director Stephen Farrow, and United Cup Perth General Manager Brett Patten revealed the new silverware, 10 days out from the inaugural event.

The United Cup will showcase equality at the highest level of the sport when the world’s best players unite and compete side by side across Brisbane, Perth, and Sydney from Thursday 29 December to Sunday 8 January 2023.

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The United Cup was designed and made by experts in bespoke silver and gold commissions, Thomas Lyte, a Royal Warrant holder as silversmiths and goldsmiths to Her Late Majesty The Queen and former Head of the Commonwealth.

Thomas Lyte are best known as world-class designers, makers, and restorers of many of the world’s most iconic trophies including the Laver Cup, and trophies for the ATP Finals, the FA Cup, the Rugby World Cup, and the Six Nations Championship.

The design of The United Cup was led by Thomas Lyte’s Head Silverware Designer, Trevor Brown, an Australian based in East Gippsland in regional Victoria, before a team of ten master silversmiths and goldsmiths handcrafted the trophy in their fine silver workshops in London. Over 400 craft-hours were needed to create this masterpiece.

“Our craftspeople, and designers are so proud of this piece. It is one of our favourite commissions. Due to the interplay of the gold and silver, and the complex reflections from every angle, we believe that as well as having the potential to become a revered, iconic sporting trophy, the United Cup is truly a work of art,”

Neil MacLaurin, Thomas Lyte’s Director and former English cricketer

Designers and Makers of the United Cup workshop

Adding to the trophy’s extraordinary story, the United Cup’s hallmark additionally carries the Platinum Jubilee Commemorative Mark. This is a special commemorative mark, only available to commissions hallmarked in London in 2022, designed to celebrate the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

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Standing at 50cm tall, the hand-crafted United Cup features 36 sweeping rods to represent the 18-country mixed doubles partnerships, each shaped by hand.

The path the rods take from the plinth to the rim of the bowl suggests the movement of a tennis ball and how a ball can change speed and direction. The reflective surfaces of the trophy capture the energy and liveliness of the sport.

“We wanted something that was instantly iconic, that was very special and unique for the United Cup. And we wanted something that really symbolises bringing together the male and female players… The bowl is symbolic of a prize made for sharing and bringing people together because ultimately this event is about bringing together the best male and the best female players to play for their country,”

Stephen Farrow, The United Cup’s Tournament Director

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Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane, RAC Arena in Perth and Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney will host the United Cup group stage from Thursday 29 December to Wednesday 4 January 2023.

Each host city will feature two groups of three countries, competing in a round-robin format. Group winners in each city will play off for one of three semifinal spots.

Three City Champions will advance to the United Cup Final Four in Sydney from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 January. The next best performing team from the group stage will complete the quartet.

The United Cup trophy will visit each host city before the first winner is crowned.